Minimum wage: Government, labour adjourn negotiations

Minimum wage: Government, labour adjourn negotiations

Negotiations between the Nigerian government and organised labour over the new minimum wage implementation have been adjourned to August 2.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu who briefed reporters shortly after government’s meeting with labour, said that the development was necessary for both parties.

He explained that the adjournment was to enable both parties look at and agree on some contentious areas.

Both government and labour had been involved in talks over the modalities of the implementation of the new minimum wage, which was signed into law on March 23.

The acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Owei Lakemfa, confirmed that negotiations were still on.  

Implementation process

He said: “The Nigerian people know that we are representing them, and the workers also know that we will never sell out. We are confident about that and we have reached an agreement that will be beneficial to workers and the country.

“The government has agreed that the minimum wage will be implemented and will affect all workers across board. But what we are negotiating is the full implementation.”

Earlier agreements

Both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on July 19 suspended their planned warning strike.

This had followed the acceptance by federal and state governments to implement the minimum wage across board.

Both parties had also agreed to conclude negotiations on the relativity implications of the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act, 2011 not later than July 31.

The agreement had also included a decision to effect payment of the new wage from August 1, while the time frame for payment of the arrears should not be later than October 2011.

The Nigerian government had also agreed to clear the arrears with effect from March 23, 2011.

Sunday’s meeting had the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, as chairman.

Other representatives on the government team include the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, and Chairman of the National Incomes, Wages and Salaries Commission, Chief Richard Egbule.

The delegation from labour was led by the NLC Deputy President, Comrade Mohammed Kiri, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Musa Tolly.

NAN/Susan/Williams